# Ronaldo's symbol status

> Bruno Fernandes calls Ronaldo Portugal's greatest symbol despite walkout.
- Title: Ronaldo's symbol status · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Bruno Fernandes calls Ronaldo Portugal's greatest symbol despite walkout. Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's greatest symbol despite…
- Keywords: cristiano ronaldo, bruno fernandes, portugal, nations league, jorge jesus, portugal national team, sports, Ronaldo's, symbol, status, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/03/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-bruno-fernandes-jorge-jesus-nations-league
- Author: Agence France-Presse
- Published: 2026-10-03T19:02:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cristiano ronaldo, bruno fernandes, portugal, nations league, jorge jesus, portugal national team, sports
## Ronaldo walks out
Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's team camp this week after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not start against Denmark.
## Fernandes defends Ronaldo
Bruno Fernandes says Ronaldo remains Portugal's greatest symbol despite walkout and will never cease to be the national team's icon.
## Fernandes on unity
Fernandes insists there are no divisions in the national team and urges Portugal to respect all sides without splitting.
## Portugal wins without Ronaldo
Portugal beat Norway 2-1 with Ronaldo an unused substitute then won 4-2 after his departure from the squad.
## Coach focuses on Norway
Jorge Jesus says he will focus on Norway, one of Europe's five best teams, after Ronaldo's walkout.
## Key takeaway

Bruno Fernandes says Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's greatest symbol despite walking out of the squad.